Nas and Common lead tributes for death of Heavy D
Nas, Common and Russell Simmond are among the stars leading tributes to hip-hop icon Heavy D, who died on Tuesday aged 44.
The rap veteran was reportedly found unconscious near his home in Beverly Hills and admitted to hospital in LA, where he was pronounced dead.
His passing has shocked many in the hip-hop world with stars taking to Twitter to express their grief at the news.
Nas writes: "RIP TO A REAL HIP HOP LEGEND HEAVY D!", while Common tweets, "Heavy D was...no...is one of Hip-Hops (sic) finest. Your art and contribution will live 4ever (sic) brother! RIP Heavy D".
A stunned Q-Tip writes: "This can't be true", and The Roots drummer ?uestlove adds,
"Heavy D was a good friend & he'll be missed."
Rap mogul Russell Simmons states, "I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Heavy D. A long time friend and a beautiful person", and Sean Kingston calls him "One Of The Most Influential Rappers Of The '90s Era."
Hollywood have even spoke of their grief with actor Samuel L. Jackson calling him a 'dear friend', adding 'Fond memories of a truly cool brutha (sic).'
A shocked Estelle tweets, "RIP. Heavy D. i can't believe that. I can't. Was just in London w (with) him", while Ne-Yo adds, "Man. I was just with Heavy D recently in London. Had I known it'd be the last time I'd see him, I woulda (sic) told him he was truly great."
A slew of other hip-hop stars, including hitmaker/producer Pharrell Williams, veteran hip-hop DJ Grandmaster Flash, R&B singer Brandy and rapper Nelly have also expressed their condolences online.
Meanwhile, Public Enemy star Chuck D insists his friend was "a hip hop god", adding, "He will always be remembered and I'm thankful for what he's done for hip hop culture."
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